When music, instruments, dance came together

Vocal recitals, instrumental virtuosity, rare jugalbandis and classical dance came together over three days at the Sitar Nawaz Ustad Bale Khan Sangeet Mahotsav 2026, held at the new auditorium of FTII.

The festival featured an impressive line-up of artistes.The two major highlights of the festival were the concluding recital by Padma Shri Pandit Venkatesh Kumar, and the Sitar Panchak presented on the opening day featuring leading exponents of the Dharwad Gharana— Ustad Chhote Rahimat Khan, Ustad Rafique Khan, Ustad Shafique Khan, Rais Bale Khan and Mansoor Khan.

Day one also featured Bahurang , an acclaimed dance choreography by Nirupama and Rajendra and the Abhinava team, blending Kathak, Karanas and movements inspired by the Natyashastra.

Day two of the festival showcased the diversity of Hindustani classical traditions as vocalist Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar, santoor maestro Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori and noted Kirana Gharana exponent Pandit Sudhakar Chavan took the stage for individual performances.

On the final day, acclaimed vocalist Vidushi Arati Ankalikar-Tikekar enthralled listeners with intricate compositions and bhajans. A sarod–sitar duet by Abhishek Borkar and Mohasin Khan was also appreciated by audiences. The festival concluded with a special recording of Ustad Bale Khan’s sitar rendition in Raag Bhairavi.